In September 2012, USCIS began deferring action for certain childhood arrivals and issuing employment authorization for a period of 2 years. In September 2014, the earliest applicants that were granted DACA will expire. USCIS expects to publish the new DACA renewal process and a revised version of Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals sometime in late May, so those who will be expiring soon will be able to renew their DACA without experiencing any lapse in their lawful presence or work authorization.
For those currently under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and are looking to renew your DACA, Bridge U.S. is here to help. We know that completing the USCIS forms can be confusing and frustrating. Bridge U.S. makes it simple for users to complete their application on our site. You'll go through our application wizard, answer questions about your background and immigration history, and we'll generate the forms you'll need to submit for the DACA renewal, such as the new Form I-821D, Form I-765, and Form I-765WS. We'll also provide you with clear instructions on what supporting documents you may need to include, the filing fee amount, and the address where you'll file your application.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the DACA renewal process:
Q: Why is USCIS changing the Form I-821D?
A: The current Form I-821D is only tailored to initial DACA requests and so USCIS has been working on a new form which will allow for both initial and renewal requests. In order to renew your DACA, you will need to use this new form.
Q: Who is eligible for the DACA renewal program?
A: If you are currently under DACA and have been continuously residing in the U.S. since you first filed your DACA application, you are eligible.
Q: I was granted DACA by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Do I need to wait until the new Form I-821D to be released to renew my DACA?
A: No, USCIS recognizes that those who were granted DACA by ICE while in detention or removal proceedings between June 15, 2012 and August 15, 2012 make up only a fraction of the entire DACA population. Thus, these applicants are able to renew their DACA at the present time using the current form.
Q: Do I need to re-submit the same supporting documents as for my initial DACA application?
A: According to USCIS, you won't need to re-submit documents you already submitted with your previous DACA request that was approved. However, you should keep a copy of those documents in case USCIS issues a request for them. If you were subject to removal proceedings or have a criminal record that you previously did not submit, you will need to submit the evidence with your application.
Q: Do I need to have my biometrics done again?
A: Yes, those who are renewing their DACA must submit new biometrics.
Q: How much will it cost to file a DACA renewal?
A: As of now, the renewal fees will be the same as the initial filing fees. The total cost will be $465 which includes the $380 filing fee and $85 biometrics fee.
Q: When can I file my DACA renewal?
A: You should file your renewal within 120 days (4 months) of the expiration of your current DACA but no earlier than 150 days (5 months) prior to expiration. USCIS will most likely reject your application if you file it too early.
Q: What happens if I don't apply for a DACA renewal?
A: There will be serious consequences if you don't renew your DACA. You won't be able to legally work in the U.S. once your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires. You'll also be in the U.S. illegally so you'll be facing the risk of deportation. It's important to maintain your DACA.
Q: If my DACA renewal is approved, how long will it be valid for?
A: The renewal will be valid for a period of 2 years.
Q: Will I need a lawyer to assist me with my DACA renewal?
A: Most individuals will be able to renew their DACA without the help of an immigration lawyer. However, if you have a criminal record, it‰Ûªs best that obtain legal advice from a lawyer. Bridge U.S. has a network of great lawyers who would be happy to help.
Q: Is DACA a legal status?
A: DACA is neither an immigrant or nonimmigrant status. It's an official promise made by the government not to deport or remove an individual for 2 years.
Q: Can my dependents apply with me?
A: Unfortunately, no. Because DACA is not a status, you don't have the ability to sponsor your dependents if you obtain DACA.
